What is the EEDP?

Founded by Joan Luby, MD, in 1998, the Early Emotional Development Program is a clinical research program focused on the mental health and emotional development of young children.

Who funds the studies at the EEDP?

Government institutes and nonprofit mental health organizations fund studies in the EEDP. An example of a government institute that provides funding is the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Nonprofit organizations that fund our work include the CHADS Coalition –Communities Healing Adolescent Depression and Suicide – and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, formerly known as NARSAD.

Where can I find information about the study results?

We list the publishing information for all our papers on our publications page. Most of these papers can also be accessed at no cost on PubMed.

Who is Dr. Luby?

Joan Luby, MD, is a child psychiatrist and professor of child psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine who specializes in emotion development and mood disorders in infants and preschoolers. She is the founder and director of the Early Emotional Development Program.

How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Luby for my child?

Besides her research at the EEDP, Dr. Luby sees patients under the age of 6 at Washington University School of Medicine’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Offices. To schedule an appointment, please call 314-286-1700.

Can we donate things to the EEDP?

Yes. We will accept donations of new or very gently used toys and DVDs appropriate for children ages 3 to 12. Please contact us at 314-286-2730 for more information.

I have concerns about my child’s development, moods and/or behavior. Can you help?

Please call the Washington University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic at 314-286-1700 to schedule an evaluation of your child.

What studies are currently recruiting participants? Where can I find more details about your study?

Visit our Research page to learn more »

Where are you located?

The Early Emotional Development Program consists of three locations—the main office, the East Building, and the Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR).

The main office is located at Suite 2500, 4444 Forest Park, St Louis, MO 63118.

Map of location

Main Office

Main Office

Suite 2500, 4444 Forest Park, St Louis, MO 63110

The East Building is located at 4525 Scott Avenue near the Central West End Metrolink station; for directions and a map, click here. The CCIR is located in the Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza, just off of Kingshighway on Barnes-Jewish Plaza; for directions and a map, click here.

Who makes sure the studies are ethically appropriate?

All studies conducted by the Early Emotional Development Program have been thoroughly reviewed by Washington University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). The board carefully evaluates proposed studies before they begin and throughout the course of the study to ensure that the research is ethical and conducted in a way that protects the privacy of the participants as well as handles any comments or concerns about the research. If you have any questions, please contact the IRB.

Where can I find general information about child development?

A good place to go is the NIMH Children and Mental Health fact section and the NIMH Child and Adolescent Mental Health website.

Where can I find information about other studies at Washington University?

To find out more about studies at Washington University, visit the Volunteer for Health website, or give them a call at 1-866-362-5656.